Method for production of arachidonic acid

Abstract

The present invention relates to a process for producing arachidonic acid. In one embodiment, Mortierella sect. schmuckeri microorganisms are cultured in fermentation medium, preferably containing a component of a complex nitrogen source. Further disclosed is a food product which includes Mortierella sect. schmuckeri microorganisms or lipid isolated from such microorganisms to enhance the arachidonic acid content of the food product.

1. A method for extending the shelf life of biomass, comprising
 treating a wet biomass of a microorganism of the genus  Mortierella  sect.  schmuckeri  with a treatment selected from the group consisting of acidifying a wet biomass, pasteurizing the wet biomass, acidifying and pasteurizing the wet biomass, and flash heating the wet biomass, and 
 packaging the biomass; 
 wherein said  Mortierella  sect.  schmuckeri  produces at least about 0.70 grams of arachidonic acid per liter per day when grown under appropriate fermentation conditions. 
 
     
     
       2. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the treating is acidifying or acidifying and pasteurizing and wherein the pH is from about 3.5 to about 4.5. 
     
     
       3. The method of  claim 1 , further comprising flash heating the biomass to inactivate enzymes. 
     
     
       4. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the packaging is done under a vacuum. 
     
     
       5. The method of  claim 1 , wherein said  Mortierella  sect.  schmuckeri  is of the species  Mortierella schmuckeri.    
     
     
       6. The method of  claim 1 , wherein said  Mortierella  sect.  schmuckeri  is of the species  Mortierella  camargensis. 
     
     
       7. The method of  claim 1 , wherein said  Mortierella  sect.  schmuckeri  produces at least about 0.80 grams of arachidonic acid per liter per day when grown under appropriate fermentation conditions. 
     
     
       8. The method of  claim 1 , wherein said  Mortierella  sect.  schmuckeri  produces at least about 0.86 grams of arachidonic acid per liter per day when grown under appropriate fermentation conditions. 
     
     
       9. The method of  claim 1 , wherein said  Mortierella  sect.  schmuckeri  grows as a dispersed filamentous form when grown under liquid culture conditions.